Nakshatras (नक्षत्र) are the 27 lunar mansions — the star constellations through which the Moon travels in its monthly orbit. While the 12 zodiac signs (Rashis) provide the broad strokes of your personality, your birth Nakshatra reveals the fine details — your deepest characteristics, emotional patterns, talents, and life purpose.
Dr. Dadhichy (Ph.D, 30+ years) presents this complete guide to all 27 Nakshatras (plus the mysterious 28th).
Understanding the Nakshatra System
Basic Structure
- The 360° zodiac is divided into 27 equal parts of 13°20’ each
- Each Nakshatra is further divided into 4 padas (quarters) of 3°20’
- Each pada is connected to a specific Navamsha (D-9) sign
- Each zodiac sign contains 2¼ Nakshatras
Why Nakshatra Matters More Than Rashi
| Factor | Rashi (Zodiac Sign) | Nakshatra (Birth Star) |
|---|---|---|
| Number | 12 signs | 27 stars |
| Span | 30° each | 13°20’ each |
| Precision | General personality | Specific traits |
| Moon stays | ~2.5 days | ~1 day |
| Compatibility | Basic matching | Detailed matching |
| Name letter | — | First letter of baby’s name |
The Complete 27 Nakshatras
Group 1: Aries & Taurus (Mesh & Vrishabh)
1. Ashwini (अश्विनी) — 0° to 13°20’ Aries
- Symbol: Horse head
- Lord: Ketu
- Deity: Ashwini Kumaras (divine physicians)
- Nature: Swift, healing, pioneering
- Traits: Quick action, healing abilities, adventurous, impatient
- Career: Medicine, emergency services, sports, entrepreneurship
2. Bharani (भरणी) — 13°20’ to 26°40’ Aries
- Symbol: Yoni (female reproductive organ)
- Lord: Venus
- Deity: Yama (god of death/dharma)
- Nature: Creative, intense, transformative
- Traits: Strong willpower, creative power, bearing responsibility
- Career: Arts, entertainment, law enforcement, midwifery
3. Krittika (कृत्तिका) — 26°40’ Aries to 10° Taurus
- Symbol: Razor/flame
- Lord: Sun
- Deity: Agni (fire god)
- Nature: Sharp, purifying, commanding
- Traits: Sharp intellect, critical thinking, leadership, commanding presence
- Career: Military, cooking/culinary arts, goldsmithing, leadership
4. Rohini (रोहिणी) — 10° to 23°20’ Taurus
- Symbol: Ox cart/chariot
- Lord: Moon
- Deity: Brahma (creator)
- Nature: Creative, beautiful, prosperous
- Traits: Beautiful appearance, artistic talent, luxury-loving, materialistically fortunate
- Career: Fashion, arts, agriculture, banking, luxury goods
5. Mrigashira (मृगशिरा) — 23°20’ Taurus to 6°40’ Gemini
- Symbol: Deer head
- Lord: Mars
- Deity: Soma (moon god)
- Nature: Searching, gentle, curious
- Traits: Constant seeking, gentle nature, love of exploration
- Career: Research, travel, writing, perfumery, textiles
Group 2: Gemini & Cancer (Mithun & Kark)
6. Ardra (आर्द्रा) — 6°40’ to 20° Gemini
- Symbol: Teardrop/diamond
- Lord: Rahu
- Deity: Rudra (storm god)
- Nature: Intense, transformative, emotional
- Traits: Deep emotions, analytical mind, transformation through destruction
- Career: Technology, research, psychology, surgery
7. Punarvasu (पुनर्वसु) — 20° Gemini to 3°20’ Cancer
- Symbol: Bow and quiver
- Lord: Jupiter
- Deity: Aditi (mother of gods)
- Nature: Restoring, nurturing, optimistic
- Traits: Resilience, optimism, nurturing nature, ability to bounce back
- Career: Teaching, counseling, real estate, hospitality
8. Pushya (पुष्य) — 3°20’ to 16°40’ Cancer
- Symbol: Cow’s udder/flower
- Lord: Saturn
- Deity: Brihaspati (Jupiter/priest)
- Nature: Nourishing, auspicious, protective
- Traits: Most auspicious Nakshatra for material success, nurturing, generous
- Career: Dairy, food industry, politics, clergy, social work
9. Ashlesha (आश्लेषा) — 16°40’ to 30° Cancer
- Symbol: Coiled serpent
- Lord: Mercury
- Deity: Naga (serpent deities)
- Nature: Mystical, clinging, intuitive
- Traits: Deep intuition, mystical abilities, hypnotic personality
- Career: Occult, psychology, pharmacy, detective work
Group 3: Leo & Virgo (Singh & Kanya)
10. Magha (मघा) — 0° to 13°20’ Leo
- Symbol: Royal throne
- Lord: Ketu
- Deity: Pitru (ancestors)
- Nature: Royal, authoritative, noble
- Traits: Natural authority, pride in heritage, leadership ability
- Career: Government, politics, administration, ancestral business
11. Purva Phalguni (पूर्वा फाल्गुनी) — 13°20’ to 26°40’ Leo
- Symbol: Front legs of bed/hammock
- Lord: Venus
- Deity: Bhaga (god of fortune)
- Nature: Creative, romantic, pleasure-seeking
- Traits: Love of luxury, artistic talent, romantic nature
- Career: Entertainment, fashion, arts, event management
12. Uttara Phalguni (उत्तरा फाल्गुनी) — 26°40’ Leo to 10° Virgo
- Symbol: Back legs of bed
- Lord: Sun
- Deity: Aryaman (god of contracts)
- Nature: Helpful, stable, partnership-oriented
- Traits: Excellent for marriage, helpful nature, contract-keeping
- Career: Social work, HR, counseling, partnerships
13. Hasta (हस्ता) — 10° to 23°20’ Virgo
- Symbol: Open hand
- Lord: Moon
- Deity: Savitar (sun god)
- Nature: Skilled, creative, industrious
- Traits: Skillful hands, craftsmanship, healing ability, cleverness
- Career: Handicrafts, surgery, magic, gambling, astrology
14. Chitra (चित्रा) — 23°20’ Virgo to 6°40’ Libra
- Symbol: Bright jewel/pearl
- Lord: Mars
- Deity: Vishwakarma (divine architect)
- Nature: Creative, attractive, artistic
- Traits: Beautiful appearance, creative talent, architectural sense
- Career: Architecture, design, jewelry, fashion, photography
Group 4: Libra & Scorpio (Tula & Vrishchik)
15. Swati (स्वाति) — 6°40’ to 20° Libra
- Symbol: Young plant blowing in wind
- Lord: Rahu
- Deity: Vayu (wind god)
- Nature: Independent, flexible, diplomatic
- Traits: Independence, flexibility, business acumen, diplomatic
- Career: Business, trade, travel, diplomacy, independent ventures
16. Vishakha (विशाखा) — 20° Libra to 3°20’ Scorpio
- Symbol: Triumphal arch/potter’s wheel
- Lord: Jupiter
- Deity: Indra-Agni (power and fire)
- Nature: Determined, focused, goal-oriented
- Traits: Single-minded determination, goal achievement, leadership
- Career: Politics, law, business leadership, sports
17. Anuradha (अनुराधा) — 3°20’ to 16°40’ Scorpio
- Symbol: Lotus
- Lord: Saturn
- Deity: Mitra (god of friendship)
- Nature: Devoted, friendly, organizational
- Traits: True friendship, devotion, organizational skills
- Career: Organization management, international relations, diplomacy
18. Jyeshtha (ज्येष्ठा) — 16°40’ to 30° Scorpio
- Symbol: Circular amulet/earring
- Lord: Mercury
- Deity: Indra (king of gods)
- Nature: Protective, senior, authoritative
- Traits: Protective nature, seniority, courage, authority
- Career: Military, protection services, administration, elder care
Group 5: Sagittarius & Capricorn (Dhanu & Makar)
19. Moola (मूला) — 0° to 13°20’ Sagittarius
- Symbol: Tied bunch of roots
- Lord: Ketu
- Deity: Nirriti (goddess of destruction)
- Nature: Root-seeking, investigative, transformative
- Traits: Gets to the root of matters, investigative, sharp, transformative
- Career: Research, medicine, pharmacy, detective, spiritual leadership
20. Purva Ashada (पूर्वाषाढ़ा) — 13°20’ to 26°40’ Sagittarius
- Symbol: Elephant tusk/fan
- Lord: Venus
- Deity: Apas (water goddess)
- Nature: Invincible, purifying, persuasive
- Traits: Persuasion power, invincibility in arguments, purifying influence
- Career: Law, public speaking, water-related businesses, counseling
21. Uttara Ashada (उत्तराषाढ़ा) — 26°40’ Sagittarius to 10° Capricorn
- Symbol: Elephant tusk/small bed
- Lord: Sun
- Deity: Vishvadevas (universal gods)
- Nature: Universal, righteous, victorious
- Traits: Universal appeal, ethical leadership, lasting victory
- Career: Government, judiciary, spiritual leadership, international organizations
22. Shravana (श्रवण) — 10° to 23°20’ Capricorn
- Symbol: Three footprints/ear
- Lord: Moon
- Deity: Vishnu (preserver)
- Nature: Learning, listening, connecting
- Traits: Excellent listener, scholarly, media-savvy, networking
- Career: Media, education, counseling, telecommunications
23. Dhanishtha (धनिष्ठा) — 23°20’ Capricorn to 6°40’ Aquarius
- Symbol: Drum (mridanga)
- Lord: Mars
- Deity: Vasus (eight elemental gods)
- Nature: Musical, prosperous, adaptable
- Traits: Musical talent, wealth acquisition, adaptability
- Career: Music, real estate, charity, sports
Group 6: Aquarius & Pisces (Kumbh & Meen)
24. Shatabhisha (शतभिषा) — 6°40’ to 20° Aquarius
- Symbol: Empty circle/1000 flowers
- Lord: Rahu
- Deity: Varuna (ocean god)
- Nature: Healing, secretive, mystical
- Traits: Healing abilities, secretive nature, independent thinking
- Career: Healing, alternative medicine, technology, astronomy
25. Purva Bhadrapada (पूर्वा भाद्रपदा) — 20° Aquarius to 3°20’ Pisces
- Symbol: Front of funeral cot/two-faced man
- Lord: Jupiter
- Deity: Aja Ekapada (one-footed serpent)
- Nature: Intense, transformative, fiery
- Traits: Intensity, occult abilities, transformation, dual nature
- Career: Astrology, occult sciences, surgery, investigation
26. Uttara Bhadrapada (उत्तरा भाद्रपदा) — 3°20’ to 16°40’ Pisces
- Symbol: Back of funeral cot/twin serpent
- Lord: Saturn
- Deity: Ahir Budhnya (serpent of the deep)
- Nature: Deep, wise, controlled
- Traits: Deep wisdom, emotional control, spiritual depth
- Career: Spiritual teaching, charity, research, counseling
27. Revati (रेवती) — 16°40’ to 30° Pisces
- Symbol: Fish/drum
- Lord: Mercury
- Deity: Pushan (nourishing sun god)
- Nature: Nourishing, safe, completing
- Traits: Nurturing nature, love of travel, animal lover, completing journeys
- Career: Travel, animal care, charity, spiritual counseling, arts
The 28th Nakshatra: Abhijit (अभिजित)
- Position: Between Uttarashada and Shravana (~6°40’ to 10°53’ Capricorn)
- Lord: Sun
- Deity: Brahma
- Use: Primarily in Muhurat calculations — Abhijit Muhurat (midday) is considered the most universally auspicious time
Your Nakshatra and Baby Naming
One of the most practical uses of Nakshatras is choosing the first letter of a baby’s name:
Each Nakshatra pada has a designated sound/syllable. For example:
- Ashwini Pada 1 → Chu (चु)
- Rohini Pada 1 → O (ओ)
- Pushya Pada 1 → Hu (हु)
This connects the child’s name to their cosmic vibration, believed to bring good fortune throughout life.
📖 Related: What is Kundali? | Kundali Matching Guide | How to Read Birth Chart
For detailed Nakshatra analysis and personalized insights, consult Dr. Dadhichy — India’s highest-rated astrologer (5.0★, 1000+ reviews, 30+ years). Call +91 9931205355 or WhatsApp.
